SAUDI ARABIA
|
 |
Previous page (Countries) / Page
précédente (Pays)
 |
SAUDI ARABIA
|
|
Previous page (Countries) / Page
précédente (Pays)
|
Saudi Arabia’s Taste for Honey
Five thousand metric tons of honey would coat a whole lot of biscuits! In Saudi Arabia, where a population just shy of 20 million consumes this much of the sweet stuff every year, the use of honey pervades every aspect of the diet.
This market for U.S. exporters rose dramatically in 1995, up to 333 metric tons of honey sales from 87 tons the year before. Though exports dropped in 1996 to 285 tons, the $700,000 worth of sales still makes this an important market for U.S. honey producers.
Honey Intrinsic to Culture
The Koran, Islam’s holy book, refers to honey’s healing and medicinal properties. Whether used for its medicinal value, as a restorative or simply for sweetening, the Saudi family consumes 1 kilogram of honey per month, on average.
While honey is used daily, consumption is greater during traditional, religious and festive occasions, particularly during the month of Ramadan. During this season of daytime fasting, families prepare more desserts for the evening meal to quickly replenish their energy.
Imports Dominate Market
Saudi statistics show that Saudi Arabia produces almost 90 tons of honey a year--only 2 to 4 percent of what it consumes. However, many small operations may not be accounted for, since they do not sell on a commercial basis and are not registered with the Ministry of Commerce.
Saudi Arabia imports honey in bulk (in 200-kilogram drums) and ready-to-sell retail packages ranging from 125 grams to 3 kilograms. Independent importers or commission agents distribute the bulk product to food processors and repacking factories and retail packages to wholesalers and groceries.
Main suppliers include Germany, the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Turkey. Cheaper and lower quality honey, chiefly for industrial uses, is imported from Eastern Europe, Latin America and Southeast Asia.
Neighboring Yemen supplies Saudi Arabia with the most desired, expensive honey--Saudis to be the purest of all. And they’re willing to pay $190 per kilogram for it.
Industrial Use...Honey?
Honey sold in large quantities, such as the 200-kilogram drums, is considered industrial honey to be further processed by the Saudis. Manufacturers blend, refine and repack honey from several sources. This domestically processed product accounts for 15 percent of local honey sales and is also re-exported.
Re-packed sizes range from 25 to 50 grams. Honey originating from Eastern Europe and Turkey is often blended and repacked in small packets for sale on a contractual basis to airlines, hospitals and catering companies.
Duty, Labeling Requirements
Retail-packed honey is charged a 12-percent import duty. Honey destined for industrial use is normally exempt from any duty, but the importer must obtain a waiver from Customs.
The Saudi Arabian Standards Organization (SASO) of the Ministry of Commerce imposes quality standards.
Honey entering the country must include labeling that indicates the product name, origin, weight, production and expiry dates and the importer and exporter.
Complete labeling requirements, hygienic regulations and definitions of honey are available from the following address:
Saudi Arabian Standards Organization
Director General Standards Dept.
Tel.: (966-1) 452-0000, ext. 1125
Fax: (966-1) 452-0167
Rosemary Shenouda
The author is an agricultural marketing assistant with FAS’ Agricultural Trade Office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Tel.: (966-2) 661-2408; Fax: (966-2) 667-6196.
Other address:
Jassim M.Al-mughrabi
Honeybee Technician
Minisry of Agriculture & Water
P.O.Box 42332
Riyadh11541
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Fax: 009661-(458)3348
Email: mughrabi@zajil.net
|
|||||||||||||
Collaboration /
Corrections
 |
|||||||||||||
| Realization / Réalisation / Realización
/ Realisierung: Gilles RATIA Last update / Mise à jour / Actualizado el / Letzte Bearbeitung: 03/07/03 APISERVICES - Copyright © 1995-2003 |
|
